Information you can provide when reporting a fault

To help us find and repair the street light quickly, it would help enormously if you can provide the following information when contacting us:

The street lighting column number. This is a black number on a yellow background and is attached to the column

The exact location of the street lighting column. Please try to provide a specific number and street address, and approximate position - for example 'opposite 7 Acacia Avenue in Pendleton'

A meaningful description of the problem - for example 'the light keeps coming on and then going off after about two minutes' or 'street light not working at all'

If you are unable to provide the column number or an accurate location for the affected light, we will schedule a night-time inspection. This is because it is not cost-effective for us in daylight hours to request workmen to check every lighting column in a street to identify a fault.

What happens when you report a fault

Routine faults that have been reported are normally attended within the following five working days.

Generally most street lighting columns will be operational after the first visit by an engineer. However, there may be occasions when the underground electrical supply may be faulty. These faults will be reported to United Utilities to undertake repair and consequently these works may take up to 15 working days (sometimes longer) to rectify.

What constitutes an emergency street lighting fault?

If a street light is damaged it may be in a dangerous condition, especially if wiring inside the column can be seen or the inspection door is missing.

Never attempt to help by covering up or touching the wiring, you could electrocute yourself

Keep young or small children away from the column

Please call us immediately so that the light can be made safe. Emergency faults can be reported to 0161 793 2500 (outside normal office hours, please call 0161 794 8888).

You can also use these telephone numbers to report damaged illuminated traffic signs and bollards, which require emergency attendance. Alternatively, use our online reporting service to report street lights (including subway lights) that are permanently on, flickering or dim, and switching on early or late.

This page was last updated on 18 January 2017

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